Biden and Harris Make First Public Appearance Together Since Election Loss at Veterans Day Ceremony

Lame-duck President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris made their first public appearance together since Harris’ defeat to President-elect Donald Trump in the recent election. On Monday, the pair attended a Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris laid a wreath Monday at Arlington National Cemetery. REUTERS

Biden, 81, and Harris, 60, participated in the sad event where Biden delivered remarks honouring military service members and their families. Harris, who did not speak during the ceremony, maintained a stoic demeanour, though she briefly exchanged smiles with her husband, Douglas Emhoff, seated beside her.

Biden and Harris appeared together for the first time since she lost the Nov. 5 election to President-elect Donald Trump. REUTERS

The appearance came just six days after Harris’ loss in the presidential race. Biden used his speech to urge national unity following the Republican takeover of the White House and Congress, emphasizing the importance of honouring the sacrifices made by military families.

Harris smiled from the stands as she watched Biden’s remarks after the wreath-laying. AP

“This is the moment to come together as a nation, to keep faith in each other,” Biden said, reflecting on the country’s challenges. He also touched on the importance of continuing to protect the values defended by the military.

While it is unclear whether Biden and Harris spoke during the visit, Harris’ motorcade briefly stopped at a Civil War-era gravesite in Section 13 of the cemetery, where she was seen kneeling at a grave, according to a pool report. The Vice President’s office did not immediately provide further details on the visit.

Harris lost all seven swing states to Trump. AFP via Getty Images

It’s unclear if Biden and Harris spoke during the event. REUTERS

Harris waved to the cameras from her viewing box at Arlington cemetery’s amphitheatre. REUTERS

Harris was seated between her husband, Doug Emhoff, and first lady Jill Biden. AP

Following the election results, both Biden and Harris addressed the loss publicly. Harris delivered her concession speech at Howard University on Nov. 6, acknowledging the defeat while subtly positioning herself as a potential future leader of the Democratic Party. The next day, Biden gave a speech from the Rose Garden, vowing an orderly transition of power without the presence of his vice president.